Animals in art

This weekend, the LSU School of Veterinary Medicine opens its 25th Annual International Exhibition on Animals in Art, which remains on display until through April 29.

More than 225 artists from 40 states, Canada, and Mexico submitted original artwork for consideration. Of those 506 entries, Judge and Juror William A. Fagaly selected 70 pieces for the 2012 collection.

Co-founder of New Orleans’ Contemporary Art Center, Fagaly is the Francoise Billion Richardson curator of African art at the New Orleans Museum of Art. During his 45-year tenure at NOMA, he has organized over 80 art exhibitions and produced shows for Washington’s Corcoran Gallery and New York’s Museum of American Folk Art among other national projects.

For the LSU exhibit, Fagaly evaluated entries on artistic merit and their ability to capture the essence of the human-animal bond. A $1,000 Best of Show award will be presented and one entry will be chosen to appear on the cover of the Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association. Other honors include the Judge’s Award, Honorable Mention, the People’s Choice Award and School of Veterinary Medicine Award.

“This show is a friend raiser as well as a fundraiser,” explains Christine Mitchell, the vet school’s library director and show coordinator. “We encourage people to come in and enjoy the art that celebrates our relationship with animals. So many of the entries can’t help but bring a smile [to the face of animal lovers].” While the show is free and open to the public, all artwork is available for sale. The pieces include a variety of media from pen and ink drawings, watercolor and acrylic to sculpture, photography and even stained glass. Set by the artists, prices range from $65 to $15,000.

Each year, 20% of the sales commission is dedicated to a special project chosen by art show committee. Recently, the proceeds were used to create a quiet, sacred space in the clinic for owners who need solace to consider the fate of a pet with a fatal prognosis and as place for owners to say their final good-byes. What could be a more fitting tribute to the human-animal bond than providing comfort to animals and owners at such a difficult time in their lives?

Click here to see some of the adorable animals APAWS has for adoption.

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